The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 102: Delicious Fried Small Fish

At first, Jack looked pretty relaxed. He'd been playing chess for years and rarely found a worthy opponent. 

Given Ethan's age, unless he was a pro, he wouldn't stand a chance. Jack figured he'd go easy on the kid and not make him give up right away, so he played more gently. 

But as the game went on, Jack's brow furrowed, his gaze got more intense, and he took longer to make his moves. 

After making a move, Jack couldn't help but ask, "Ethan, you're pretty good. Why haven't you gone pro?"

Ethan barely paused, placing his piece with a calm expression. "Just playing for fun with family." 

He then turned and asked Victoria softly, "Victoria, you bored?" He worried she might not enjoy sitting through a chess game, especially if she didn't understand it.

Victoria was watching the board intently. She wasn't great at chess, but she knew the basics. Watching these two play, she could follow some of it. 

Hearing Ethan call her, she looked up with a slightly dazed expression and said, "Me? No, not at all. I can only understand a little, but your game is really exciting." 

Her eyes sparkled, and she smiled at Ethan. 'Indeed, people are more charming when they're doing something they're good at.'

Jack watched them banter and joked, "You sure know how to flatter me. You don't even play chess, what can you understand?"

Victoria pursed her lips, glanced at Jack, then at Ethan, and said, "Well, don't laugh at me if I say something silly." 

Seeing them nod, she pointed to the Rooks that had just been moved and said, "For example, if it were me, I would have placed it here. But Mr. Lopez placed it there, and I can immediately see the board looks more open and better."

Jack stroked his short white beard, nodding appreciatively at Victoria. "Not bad. Your move makes sense too. Only someone with some chess knowledge could see that. Have you really never studied chess?"

Victoria shook her head. "I only knew the basic rules before. I just learned this by watching you two play. It's quite interesting."

"Looks like you have a knack for chess," Jack laughed heartily, his beard shaking.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Dennis's voice called out, "Mr. Lopez, it's time for dinner." 

When he entered, he was visibly surprised to see Victoria and Ethan sitting so close together in Jack's room. 

He hadn't found Victoria outside and didn't expect her to be alone with Ethan here. 

A pang of jealousy hit him, and he took a deep breath before asking, "Victoria, what are you doing here? I've been looking for you."

Victoria's hand was still on the edge of the chessboard, and as Ethan made his move, their fingers brushed. 

They exchanged a glance, and Victoria quickly withdrew her hand, trying to stay calm. 

"We heard Mr. Lopez doesn't like going out, so we came to keep him company," she said. 

Ethan glanced sideways and added coolly, "Yeah."

Jack put the chess piece back in the box. "Alright, let's go eat. We'll save the game and pick it up after dinner."

Victoria moved to push the wheelchair, but Dennis rushed over, saying, "We can't let you do all the work." 

Ethan also placed his hand on the wheelchair's handle, expressionless. "I'll do it." 

Victoria raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Alright, I'll leave it to you guys." She stepped aside, thinking how silly it was for them to argue over such a small task. 

She used to think Dennis was gentle and mature, but now she realized she didn't know him well enough. 

Ethan, usually so aloof, seemed steady while playing chess, but whenever he encountered Dennis, they always ended up clashing.

The two men each grabbed a side of the wheelchair, silently competing, neither willing to back down. 

Finally, Jack spoke up, "Aren't we going to eat? I'm not that heavy; one person can push me. Let Ethan do it." 

Dennis, though momentarily impulsive, regained his composure and stepped aside with a smile. 

But as they walked to the dining hall, he stayed close to Victoria, frequently talking to her. 

Victoria, not wanting to engage too much, kept her responses brief and related to the event.

In the dining hall, students brought out the dishes they had prepared. 

Mira had made two kinds: small fish fried to a crisp, so even the bones were easy to chew, emitting a delicious aroma; and larger fish she had pan-fried, garnished with colorful vegetables, making the whole dish look appealing. 

Students and elderly folks sat together, eating and chatting, creating a lively atmosphere.

An elderly lady took a piece of fried fish, chewed quickly, and nostalgically said, "This fried fish is so good, not like the usual nursing home food. It tastes like something I used to make at home. Who made this?" 

The students started shouting, "Mira made the fried fish." Nick excitedly pushed Mira forward to receive the lady's thanks. 

Mira blushed and shyly said, "My mom taught me this. It's just a home-style recipe. I'm glad you like it."

Jasmine also tried a piece of fried fish, but after one bite, she exaggeratedly spat it out, saying, "It's too greasy. How can you let the seniors eat such unhealthy food?" 

The elderly lady tapped her hand with a utensil, sternly saying, "Don't waste food!" 

Jasmine was about to retort but saw the disapproving looks from others at the table and held her tongue. 

These seniors valued frugality, and she didn't want to upset them.

Just then, Ella brought out a large bowl of fish soup. "Everyone, try my fish soup. It's not much, but it's delicious and healthy, perfect for seniors." 

Jasmine chimed in, "Yes, cooking should be like Ella's—light and healthy. That greasy, heavy stuff is only for poor people."